Editorial: Let's talk about this idea

Ralph Lee White served as a Stockton city councilman during tumultuous times in the 1980s. It's argued by many - with merit - that he created much of the turmoil.

Comment

recordnet.com

Writer

Posted Aug. 15, 2014 at 12:01 AM

Posted Aug. 15, 2014 at 12:01 AM

» Social News

Ralph Lee White served as a Stockton city councilman during tumultuous times in the 1980s. It's argued by many - with merit - that he created much of the turmoil.

In the two-plus decades that have followed, White has frequently run for office (mayor, council, school board), speaks out at public meetings and has been highly critical of elected and appointed officials.

Meanwhile, many in south Stockton have been vocal about their disdain for White, stating that he doesn't truly speak for the area - only for certain segments of the population.

Therefore, it's easy to dismiss White's viewpoints or proposals as "That's just Ralph being Ralph."

That also can be a mistake at times.

In recent months, White has spoken out against the manner in which council members are elected. The primary election has voters casting ballots "by district," but only determining who moves on to the general election.

The general election has citywide voting.

White is concerned that voters outside south Stockton are deciding who - and how - that area gets represented. It's a valid concern, not only for south Stockton but for all of the city.

This voting process was put into effect by, among others, Dean Andal back in the 1980s. Some say it was done directly to combat White.

While we stop short, at this point, of advocating a change in the voting process, it is something the charter review committee should consider.

And now comes more from White: He wants charter reviewers to consider whether such Stockton positions as city manager, police chief, city clerk and city attorney should be elected instead of appointed.

Once again, it's easy to be dismissive of such a proposal.

However, take a look at San Joaquin County government. While the county administrator position is appointed, such important jobs as auditor, sheriff and district attorney are elected.

Should the city manager position be elected? History and inertia would say no. But not all of the city manager appointees have been successful over the past several decades. Stockton is, after all, in bankruptcy.

Should the police chief position be elected? There aren't many - including White - who currently are criticizing the leadership of Police Chief Eric Jones. But would there have been such a revolving door in the chief's office if the post had been elected instead of appointed?

While stating he'd be interested to hear more, Councilman Moses Zapien added, "I would be wary of injecting politics into these positions by having them elected rather than appointed."

Others would argue there was politics galore in the city manager tenures of Dwane Milnes, Mark Lewis and Bob Deis.

With only 20 percent of registered voters turning out for most elections, it would be a gamble to put decisions on such positions as city manager and police chief in their hands. But it doesn't hurt to discuss - and dissect - the proposal.